---
layout: apr_report
title: State APR report
---
Alaska 2025
General Information
Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)
State AT Program Title:
Assistive Technology of Alaska
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.atlaak.org
Mailing Address:
1500 W 33rd Ave., Suite 120
City:
Anchorage
State:
AK
Zip Code:
99503
Program Email:
atla@atlaak.org
Phone:
907-563-2599
TTY:
907-563-0699
Lead Agency
Agency Name:
Department of Labor & Workforce Development - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mailing Address:
1111 W. 8th St., Ste 210
City:
Juneau
State:
AK
Zip Code:
99801
Program URL:
http://www.labor.state.ak.us/dvr/at-prog.htm
Implementing Entity
Name of Implementing Agency:
Assistive Technology of Alaska
Mailing Address:
1500 W 33rd Ave., Suite 120
City
Anchorage
State:
AK
Zip Code:
99503
Program URL:
www.atlaak.org
Program Director and Other Contacts
Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Rail, Mystie
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
907-563-2599
E-mail:
mystie@atlaak.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Duder, Kathryn
Title:
Director
Phone:
907-269-3581
E-mail:
kathryn.duder@alaska.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Rail, Mystie
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
907-563-2599
E-mail:
mystie@atlaak.org
Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director
Name (last, first):
Rail, Mystie
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
907-563-2599
E-mail:
mystie@atlaak.org
Certifying Representative
Name (last, first):
Caputo, Jason
Title:
Project Assistant
Phone:
907-465-6933
E-mail:
jason.caputo@alaska.gov
State Financing
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing?
Yes
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program?
No
B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services
1. Overview of Activities Performed
How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan?
2
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?
Last resort - Activity
2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected
County of Residence
Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)
146
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)
157
C. Total Served
303
Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure
0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures
303
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Type of AT Device / Service
Number of Devices Funded
Value of AT Provided
Vision
349
$60,998
Hearing
153
$20,506
Speech communication
48
$20,220
Learning, cognition, and developmental
54
$2,342
Mobility, seating and positioning
101
$2,527
Daily living
598
$23,510
Environmental adaptations
67
$3,866
Vehicle modification and transportation
0
$0
Computers and related
65
$9,643
Recreation, sports, and leisure
4
$24
Total
1439
$143,636
Activity 2
How would you describe this state financing activity?
Telecommunications equipment distribution
2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected
County of Residence
Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)
21
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)
19
C. Total Served
40
Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure
0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures
40
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Type of AT Device / Service
Number of Devices Funded
Value of AT Provided
Vision
12
$7,664
Hearing
36
$12,748
Speech communication
51
$27,863
Learning, cognition, and developmental
0
$0
Mobility, seating and positioning
0
$0
Daily living
0
$0
Environmental adaptations
0
$0
Vehicle modification and transportation
0
$0
Computers and related
0
$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure
0
$0
Total
99
$48,275
C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost
1. Overview of Activities Performed
How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan?
0
D. Anecdote
Shaquil was referred to ATLA by the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ACBVI). He is legally blind and has bilateral amputations resulting from a severe infection. Although he arrived at ATLA with some assistive technology knowledge, he sought greater independence in the home and had already learned to use his smartphone with VoiceOver through ACBVI.
Shaquil openly discussed experiencing depression following the loss of his vision and legs; however, participation in ACBVI services helped him adapt to these changes. Based on this discussion, the AT Specialist qualified him for TechAbility.
One of Shaquil’s primary goals was to return to cooking and independently navigate the kitchen. Given his strong technology skills, the AT Specialist recommended a voice-activated display and an additional smart speaker. Shaquil lives in a two-story home without an elevator or stair lift and uses his arms to navigate the stairs. The smart speakers enable communication with family members on different levels of the home, while the voice-activated display in the kitchen supports cooking tasks through its object identification feature.
Shaquil expressed enthusiasm about cooking again, communicating more easily with family members, and exploring additional features that support increased independence.
Jacob’s mother contacted ATLA regarding a communication device for her son, who has a speech disability. The family sought a way for Jacob to communicate with his out-of-state grandparents independently. They applied for Alaska Relay and were approved for a tablet with a communication app. Within one day of receiving the iPad, Jacob FaceTimed his grandmother, prompting his mother to report that he “has never been more excited.”
E. Performance Measures
Performance Measures
Response
Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed
Total
Education
Employment
Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.
00
00
343
343
2. AT was only available through the AT program.
00
00
00
00
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.
00
00
00
00
4. Subtotal
00
00
343
343
5. None of the above
00
00
00
00
6. Subtotal
00
00
343
343
7. Nonrespondent
00
00
00
00
8. Total
00
00
343
343
9. Performance on this measure
NaN%
NaN%
100%
F. Customer Satisfaction
Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services
Number of Customers
Percent
Highly satisfied
334
97.38%
Satisfied
09
2.62%
Satisfied somewhat
00
0%
Not at all satisfied
00
0%
Nonrespondent
00
0%
Total Surveyed
343
Response rate %
100%
G. Notes:
Reutilization
A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices
Activity
Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange
00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan
61
C. Total
61
Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure because AT is provided to or on behalf of an entity that has an obligation to provide the AT such as schools under IDEA or VR agencies/clients.
00
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures
61
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance
B. Device Exchange Activities
Device Exchange
Type of AT Device
Number of Devices Exchanged
Total Estimated Current Purchase Price
Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged
Savings to Consumers
Vision
00
$0
$0
$0
Hearing
00
$0
$0
$0
Speech Communication
00
$0
$0
$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental
00
$0
$0
$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning
00
$0
$0
$0
Daily Living
00
$0
$0
$0
Environmental Adaptations
00
$0
$0
$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation
00
$0
$0
$0
Computers and Related
00
$0
$0
$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure
00
$0
$0
$0
Total
00
$0
$0
$0
C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities
Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device
Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired
Total Estimated Current Purchase Price
Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold
Savings to Consumers
Vision
23
$19,302
$0
$19,302
Hearing
05
$1,410
$0
$1,410
Speech Communication
07
$20,073
$0
$20,073
Learning, Cognition and Developmental
02
$450
$0
$450
Mobility, Seating and Positioning
05
$3,894
$0
$3,894
Daily Living
14
$1,512
$0
$1,512
Environmental Adaptations
01
$25
$0
$25
Vehicle Modification & Transportation
00
$0
$0
$0
Computers and Related
13
$2,549
$0
$2,549
Recreation, Sports and Leisure
00
$0
$0
$0
Total
70
$49,215
$0
$49,215
D. Anecdote
The client is a resident of Providence Extended Care and has both hearing and vision impairments. Several devices were demonstrated to address each need and he reported that the personal listening device was more effective for him than his hearing aids.
His room is configured similarly to a hospital room, with a fan mounted at the foot of the bed that interferes with the sound from his wall-mounted television. Through ATLA’s reuse program, he was issued a Serene TV Soundbox Speaker and a Comfort Duett Personal Listener. By placing the soundbox on the desk beside the bed and the personal listener next to the soundbox, the fan noise was effectively reduced, allowing him to hear his television clearly for the first time.
E. Performance Measures
Performance Measures
Response
Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed
Total
Education
Employment
Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.
04
02
48
54
2. AT was only available through the AT program.
00
00
06
06
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.
00
00
01
01
4. Subtotal
04
02
55
61
5. None of the above
00
00
00
00
6. Subtotal
04
02
55
61
7. Nonrespondent
00
00
00
00
8. Total
04
02
55
61
9. Performance on this measure
100%
100%
100%
F. Customer Satisfaction
Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services
Number of Customers
Percent
Highly satisfied
61
100%
Satisfied
00
0%
Satisfied somewhat
00
0%
Not at all satisfied
00
0%
Nonrespondent
00
0%
Total Surveyed
61
Response rate %
100%
G. Notes:
Device Loan
A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose
Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan
Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation)
74
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding
00
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation
07
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity
02
Total
83
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity
Number of Device Borrowers
Desicion-making
All other Purposes
Total
Individuals with Disabilities
45
05
50
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives
07
02
09
Representative of Education
02
00
02
Representative of Employment
00
00
00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation
15
01
16
Representatives of Community Living
04
01
05
Representatives of Technology
01
00
01
Total
74
09
83
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days
14
D. Types of Devices Loaned
Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device
Number of Devices
Desicion-making
All other Purposes
Total
Vision
20
03
23
Hearing
08
01
09
Speech Communication
89
11
100
Learning, Cognition and Developmental
05
00
05
Mobility, Seating and Positioning
04
00
04
Daily Living
12
02
14
Environmental Adaptations
01
00
01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation
00
00
00
Computers and Related
36
05
41
Recreation, Sports and Leisure
32
04
36
Total
207
26
233
E. Anecdote
Providence Extended Care referred Joseph to ATLA. Joseph is blind and has progressive paralysis below the shoulders, with limited movement in his hands and neck that may further decline over time. He expressed a strong interest in hands-free access to technology to increase independence, particularly for making phone calls and engaging in daily activities. Joseph uses an Android phone but requires assistance to place calls to family and friends.
At the initial in-person appointment, the AT Specialist recommended a smart speaker system to enable voice-activated calling, music playback, control of a bedside lamp, and potential TV operation. However, Joseph’s occupational therapist (OT) advised that smart speaker devices were not permitted at the facility due to privacy concerns.
Joseph later trialed a loaned tablet with a head mouse and voice activation. Unfortunately, the system proved too complex and was not a viable solution.
In July, the OT used information provided by the AT Specialist regarding the benefits of smart speaker technology to support a policy review at the facility. In December, Providence Extended Care approved the use of smart speaker devices, with the requirement that devices include a mute or power-off option during private or medical discussions. The AT Specialist then assisted with the setup of a smart speaker provided through the TechAbility program.
F. Access Performance Measures
Access Performance Measures
Response
Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed
Total
Education
Employment
Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs
03
06
65
74
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs
00
00
00
00
Subtotal
03
06
65
74
Have not made a decision
00
00
00
00
Subtotal
03
06
65
74
Nonrespondent
00
00
00
00
Total
03
06
65
74
Performance on this measure
100%
100%
100%
G. Acquisition Performance Measures
Acquisition Performance Measures
Response
Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed
Total
Education
Employment
Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.
00
00
00
00
2. AT was only available through the AT program.
01
00
08
09
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.
00
00
00
00
4. Subtotal
01
00
08
09
5. None of the above
00
00
00
00
6. Subtotal
01
00
08
09
7. Nonrespondent
00
00
00
00
8. Total
01
00
08
09
9. Performance on this measure
100%
NaN%
100%
H. Customer Satisfaction
Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services
Number of Customers
Percent
Highly satisfied
83
100%
Satisfied
00
0%
Satisfied somewhat
00
0%
Not at all satisfied
00
0%
Nonrespondent
00
0%
Total Surveyed
83
Response rate %
100%
I. Notes:
Device Demonstration
A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type
Type of AT Device / Service
Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision
153
Hearing
79
Speech Communication
52
Learning, Cognition and Developmental
84
Mobility, Seating and Positioning
14
Daily Living
255
Environmental Adaptations
16
Vehicle Modification and Transportation
00
Computers and Related
83
Recreation, Sports and Leisure
16
Total # of Device Demonstrations
752
B. Types of Participants
Type of Participant
Decision-Makers
Other Participants
Total
Individuals with Disabilities
464
00
464
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives
119
105
224
Representatives of Education
44
00
44
Representatives of Employment
08
03
11
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation
92
43
135
Representative of Community Living
15
07
22
Representative of Technology
10
01
11
Total
752
159
911
C. Number of Referrals
Referrals
Type of Entity
Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)
03
Service Provider
12
Vendor
20
Repair Service
00
Others
06
Total
41
D. Anecdote
Sue has been an ATLA client for approximately four years. She has a traumatic brain injury that affects her ability to receive and process information and limits the use of her dominant hand. When overwhelmed or rushed, she becomes emotional and has difficulty making decisions.
During the demonstration, ATLA staff successfully reviewed the equipment in a one-on-one setting that allowed extended time and individualized support. Sue was able to take breaks as needed and ask questions at a pace that supported her understanding. Following the demonstration, she was provided with clear, structured explanations of the assistive technology to reinforce comprehension. Sue later emailed to thank ATLA for their understanding and for accommodating her preferred process for engagement.
E. Performance Measures
Performance Measures
Response
Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed
Total
Education
Employment
Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs
42
47
625
714
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs
15
02
21
38
Subtotal
57
49
646
752
Have not made a decision
00
00
00
00
Subtotal
57
49
646
752
Nonrespondent
00
00
00
00
Total
57
49
646
752
Performance on this measure
100%
100%
100%
F. Customer Satisfaction
Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services
Number of Customers
Percent
Highly satisfied
874
95.94%
Satisfied
37
4.06%
Satisfied somewhat
00
0%
Not at all satisfied
00
0%
Nonrespondent
00
0%
Total
911
Response rate %
100%
G. Notes:
Overall Performance Measures
Overall Acquisition Performance Measure
Acquisition Performance Measures
Response
Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed
Total
Education
Employment
Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.
04
02
391
397
2. AT was only available through the AT program.
01
00
14
15
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.
00
00
01
01
4. Subtotal
05
02
406
413
5. None of the above
00
00
00
00
6. Subtotal
05
02
406
413
7. Nonrespondent
00
00
00
00
8. Total
05
02
406
413
9. Performance on this measure
100%
100%
99.75%
99.76%
ACL Performance Measure
85%
Met/Not Met
Met
Overall Access Performance Measure
Access Performance Measures
Response
Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed
Total
Education
Employment
Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs
45
53
690
788
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs
15
02
21
38
Subtotal
60
55
711
826
Have not made a decision
00
00
00
00
Subtotal
60
55
711
826
Nonrespondent
00
00
00
00
Total
60
55
711
826
Performance on this measure
100%
100%
100%
100%
ACL Performance Measure
90%
Met/Not Met
Met
Overall Satisfaction Rating
Customer Rating of Services
Percent
ACL Target
Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied
100%
95%
Met
Response Rate
100%
90%
Met
Educational/Training Activities
A. Educational/Training Activity Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
Educational/Training Activities by Participant Type
Type of Participant
Number
Individuals with Disabilities
95
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives
25
Representatives of Education
73
Representatives of Employment
115
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation
169
Representatives of Community Living
53
Representatives of Technology
12
Unable to Categorize
00
TOTAL
542
Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro
Non Metro
Unknown
TOTAL
428
114
00
542
B. Educational/Training Activity Topics
Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities
Participants
AT Products/Services
322
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice
00
Combination of any/all of the above
57
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access
35
Transition
128
Total
542
C. Description of Educational/Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance educational/training activity conducted during the reporting period:
Funded by competitive U.S. Department of Education grants, Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) helps Alaska Natives and American Indians with disabilities get jobs and learn skills needed to work. The program can help college and vocational students, spark small business development, and create supported employment. ATLA was invited to speak at their annual meeting where TVR managers from across the state come together for professional development. Representatives provided in-depth case studies on individuals referred by TVR, the referral and assessment process, equipment procurement, and training services.
Briefly describe one educational/training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
The Alaska Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a free transition program for youth with disabilities between the ages of 14 and 24. The YLF brings together young people with disabilities from across Alaska to build leadership skills, gain confidence, and prepare for their future. ATLA was invited to speak at their 2025 Youth Leadership Forum gathering. Representatives provided in-depth information on strategies, tools, and software for transitioning and learning. After the presentation section of the training, participants received hands-on exploration of many of the tools discussed in the presentation. Many were excited about the opportunities that assistive technology can provide for them.
Briefly describe one educational/training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
Alaska LEND Without Walls (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) provides leadership training for graduate students, practicing professionals, individuals with disabilities, and family members to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents who have (or are at risk for developing) autism and other developmental disabilities. LEND leaders requested training for their fellows on the foundations of accessibility. During the training, representatives discussed the foundations of accessibility and why digital accessibility should be considered in all digital decisions.
D. IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activities Received
Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies
00
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented
35
No known outcome at this time
00
Nonrespondent
00
Total
35
Performance Measure Percentage
100%
ACL Target Percentage
70%
Met/Not Met
Met
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education
00%
Employment
00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation
100%
Community Living
00%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)
00%
Total
100%
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
ATLA partnered with the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (AKMHT) to fund and implement the AACcess to Communication project, which expanded the availability of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices for demonstration and short-term loan. The initiative supported therapists, educators, and other professionals in conducting evidence-based AAC evaluations. ATLA distributed a survey to key stakeholders to assess AAC knowledge and identify equipment needs, and AKMHT funding was used to purchase high-priority devices identified through this process. Throughout the grant cycle, staff collaborated with speech-language pathologists statewide to ensure strategic implementation and reduce barriers to appropriate AAC access. A key outcome of the project was strong participant feedback expressing appreciation for inclusion in decision-making and for consistent communication throughout equipment selection and program development.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
C. Notes:
Public Awareness
Public Awareness Activities
Public Awareness Narratives
Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight
the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types
of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide
those: however, quantative data is not required.
1. On June 4, ATLA marked the inaugural World Assistive Technology Day by hosting a Virtual AT Expo and an in-person Open House. The virtual expo focused on emerging assistive technologies that promote independence, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. Three sessions highlighted how assistive technology is shaping key areas of daily life: employment, community living, and education.
Across the virtual sessions and in-person open house, 133 individuals attended. A post-event survey yielded 17 responses, with 88% of respondents reporting high satisfaction with the information provided and 100% indicating increased knowledge and skills.
Attendees gave the following testimonies:
“The presentations were very helpful in getting an overview of what is available. It was a lot of information. It's so great to have the PowerPoints to refer back to and get the resources when needed.”
“As usual, great info and presentation. Really love the demo videos to get a real-world feel for what things do.”
“I thought the webinar was great. I enjoyed learning about all the new assistive technology.”
2.
Information And Assistance
Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients
AT Device/ Service
AT Funding
Total
Individuals with Disabilities
12,333
2,606
14,939
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives
336
1,301
1,637
Representative of Education
6,169
2,496
8,665
Representative of Employment
1,626
618
2,244
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation
2,277
1,447
3,724
Representative of Community Living
2,566
803
3,369
Representative of Technology
786
470
1,256
Unable to Categorize
00
00
00
Total
26,093
9,741
35,834
Referral Types:
ATLA has made outreach to referring agencies a prominent part of our outreach efforts. In addition to providing presentations, tours, and exploration of assistive technology to public and private agencies whenever requested, ATLA attends networking events to further build these relationships. The best-attended networking event, the Older Person Action Group Breakfast (OPAG), is held once a month and hosted by a different agency at each event. After a 10-15 minute presentation by the hosting agency, each agency in attendance can give a 1-2 minute update on their program. OPAG attendees include over 45 care coordination agencies, home health agencies, community-based service providers, State of Alaska departments, and more.
Referral Sources:
ATLA has made outreach to referring agencies a prominent part of our outreach efforts. In addition to providing presentations, tours, and exploration of assistive technology to public and private agencies whenever requested, ATLA attends networking events to build these relationships further. The best-attended networking event, the Older Person Action Group Breakfast (OPAG), is held once a month and hosted by a different agency at each event. After a 10-15 minute presentation by the hosting agency, each agency in attendance can give a 1-2 minute update on its program. OPAG attendees include over 45 care coordination agencies, home health agencies, community-based service providers, State of Alaska departments, and more.
Notes:
Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes
Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities
Yes
No
Outreach was provided to the State Education Agency. However, collaboration on a specific partnership initiative with measurable results was not pursued, as neither resources nor staff time were available for an additional project.
Yes
Yes
ATLA partnered with the Division on Vocational Rehabilitation to provide four trainings throughout the year to all VR staff during quarterly meetings on the assessment, procurement, and training of assistive technology. Each training was focused on checkpoints in the VR process that prompt counselors to consider and integrate AT to improve client outcomes.
Through the multiple training opportunities, appropriate fee-for-service client referrals from VR have increased 152% in comparison to prior years.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Employment, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community), Veterans, Information and Communication Technology/Remote Connectivity,
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, State Financing, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,
Yes
Yes
ATLA continued to strengthen its partnership with the Alaska Commission on Aging (ACoA) to increase awareness of assistive technology in rural communities. ATLA provided an ACoA representative with low- to mid-tech vision and hearing devices, along with ATLA flyers and referral forms. During rural site visits, the representative shared information about assistive technology, demonstrated devices as appropriate, and submitted referrals to ATLA describing the devices trialed and identified barriers to independence. All equipment provided to ACoA is on long-term loan.
The ACoA representative travels statewide and has the capacity to reach rural communities accessible only by air. This partnership increased awareness of assistive technology and improved access to solutions, resulting in 25 consumer referrals and 64 assistive technology explorations. The collaboration also established a trusted relationship with an ACoA representative who understands ATLA’s mission and actively advocates for rural Alaskan communities. The initiative will continue as long as a reliable representative is available to support this work.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Housing/Home Automation, Community Participation and Integration, Recreation/Leisure, Health, Aging, Aging and Disability Network/No Wrong Door,
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Demo, State Financing,
Yes
No
Outreach was provided to the Medicaid Agency. However, collaboration on a specific partnership initiative with measurable results was not pursued, as neither resources nor staff time were available for an additional project.
Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities
0
Overview of State Improvement Activities
State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting?
00
Additional And Leveraged Funds
Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report?
Yes
A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
Fund Source
Amount
Use of Funds
Data Reported
State Appropriations
$160,920
State Financing
True
Public/State Agency
$95,420
Demonstration
True
Public/State Agency
$59,132
Public Awareness, I&A
True
Private
$99,937
State Financing
True
Amount: $415,409
For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.
B. Public Health Workforce Grant Award
All Section 4 AT Act grantees were awarded $80,000.00 in supplemental Public Health Workforce grant funding to increase the number of positions within the disability and aging network for public health professionals. Please document below the cumulative status of these funds, FY22 through FY25, as a final closeout report.
Please report the total amount expended (drawn down and liquidated) from FY22 through FY25:
|
$0.00
Please check all position types that were supported with these funds over the period of FY22-25. This can be a direct employee or contractual position.
Please describe the activities of the above FTE and how such activities advance public health.
C. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).